Name/Hull Number

Tunny                    SSG282

Barbero                 SSG317

Carbonero             SSG337

Cusk                      SSG348

Grayback              SSG574

Growler                SSG577

Class

Gato

Balao

Balao

Balao

Grayback

Growler

Conversion Yard/Year

Mare Island/1953

___________/1955

___________/1949

Mare Island/1948

MNS/1958

PNS/1958

Guided Missile Submarines

Note:  The information below is partial material taken from "The Fleet Submarine in the U.S. Navy", by John D. Alden. pages 135 and 136.

    "In 1947 the fleet submarine Cusk (SS348) was fitted with a launching ramp and control equipment and on

12 February 1947 fired the first guided missle from the deck of a submarine.  The Carbonero (SS337) was also assigned to the program as a control ship; to take command of the missile when it passed out of the range of the firing ship.  Later in the year the Cusk was fitted with an SV-4 radar and a cylindrical hangar aft of the conning tower, and in 1948 was redesignated an SSG.  The Carbonero was given a fleet-snorkel conversion in 1951-52 but kept her missle-launching equipment."

    Guidance equipment for the Regulus I was installed on the Carbonero in 1953......  The Cusk was modernized in 1954 and fitted with a snorkel.....  All remaining missile equipment was finally removed from both the Carbonero and the Cusk in 1961.  .......The Trounce program was carried on with the conversion of the Tunny (SS282) to an SSG in 1953.  The conversion of the Tunny was much more extensive than on previous boats.  Alterations included a missile hanger, retractable launching platform, snorkel, streamlined sail, new electrical equipment, various electrical equipment changes, and fleet type five bladed propellers.  One main engine and the auxiliary engine were removed. 

    In order to provide a mate for the Tunny, the Barbero (SS317), was reconverted from a cargo carrier to an SSG in 1955  Alterations were kept to a minimum to include a folding ramp, hangar for two missiles, and necessary control and servicing equipment.  Two main engines were removed as well as the tubes aft.  She was given a snorkel but kept the old unstreamlined bridge fairwater.  She was capable of launch and control to a range of 200 miles from snorkel depth. 

    The Regulus I program was an interim program and provided a system for the Navy until the Regulus II program was developed.  The Regulus II program was implemented by diverting the new construction submarines Grayback and Growler.  The development of the Polaris ballistic missile program put a halt to the Regulus II program. 

    The Barbero was stricken in 1964 and the Tunny reverted to general purpose status in 1965.